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Williams, who scored in each of Colwyn Bay’s last three games at the end of last season, including an outstanding goal in the play- off semi-final at Cammell Laird, has been playing for Runcorn in the North West Counties League after failing to agree personal terms at the start of the present campaign.

But he has been training with the Seagulls this week and the manager reported: "We’re in talks and I’m hopeful he will return to us."

That would be timely, with John Boardman and Anthony Murt both unavailable for Saturday due to work commitments and Robbie Williams still injured.

Boardman and Murt, however, should be available for the important league game at Cammell Laird next Wednesday, while keeper Jamie Speare and James Olsen are playing on despite carrying injuries.

This Saturday’s FA Trophy opponents Newcastle Blue Star are managed by the experienced Tommy Cassidy, but although they are unbeaten at home, they have won only one and lost four of their seven away games this season.

They were due to play in a Unibond Challenge Cup tie last night against Bradford Park Avenue, where former Colwyn Bay player and coach Lee Coathup is the assistant manager.

"Lee is a big mate of mine and is going to give me a full run down on Newcastle," reported Gary.

The manager goes into the game delighted with the improvement shown by the side in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Nantwich Town.

"We’ve been going through a sticky patch but I was pleased with the response and reaction from the players last Saturday. We played very well and would have won if the referee had not refused a stonewall penalty," said Gary.

The Seagulls were already leading 1-0 from a John Lawless penalty after Neil Black was brought down as he tried to go round keeper Rob Hackney in one-on- one, but when Black was later brought down again in the area the referee waved play on.

"The referee said afterwards that he felt Blacky had gone down too easily, but he had his legs taken from under him and it was a clear penalty that could have put us 2-0 up," added the manager.

Almost immediately Nantwich broke for Slovakian Pavol Suhaj to head their equaliser from a Danny Giggs corner.

"In the end we were disappointed not to win because we played well, but hopefully we can carry that form on and put another run together," added Finley.